There is nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy casserole, and this Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe delivers that cozy feeling with every bite. Combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, a creamy mushroom soup base, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together with ease. Whether you are feeding a busy family or looking for an approachable dinner, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings flavor and simplicity to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this casserole so wonderful starts with these straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a balanced dish with great texture, vibrant color, and rich taste.
- 1 lb ground beef: The main protein that brings hearty, savory depth to the casserole.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch once cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic boost that wakes up every flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Introduces brightness and a little acidity to balance richness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that ties all components together.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds color and a hint of freshness; easy to leave out or substitute.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne): The starchy element providing texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A subtle herbaceous note that complements beef perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Helps brown the beef and soften the veggies without sticking.
How to Make Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and cooked through for about 7-8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook it with the beef for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This gentle sautéing releases wonderful aromas that infuse every part of the casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now it’s time to layer in all the goodness. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas if you’re using them, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s evenly combined, ensuring each bite will be perfectly flavorful and textured.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Generously sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top. This cheesy topping will melt, bubble, and create a luscious crust that makes this casserole irresistible.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly. The oven magic here melds all flavors into a harmonious dish that feels both hearty and comforting.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set slightly so it holds together beautifully on your plate, making every forkful delightful.
How to Serve Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top. These bright, herbal garnishes lend a pop of color and lift the rich flavors of the casserole for a more balanced bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad add crunch and complement the creamy texture brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with golden breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions. It’s a charming way to impress guests or make family dinners feel extra special without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. It makes for a super convenient next-day meal that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Freeze portions or the whole dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can bring back that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne all work wonderfully for this casserole. Feel free to use whatever pasta shape you have on hand—the key is to use cooked pasta that holds sauce well.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef if your soup requires it. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra heartiness.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and a suitable cream of mushroom soup alternative. Many stores carry these options, or you can make your own creamy sauce using plant-based milk and flour.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a quick homemade substitute with butter, flour, milk, and finely chopped mushrooms sautéed together. This homemade version is fresh and delicious!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction with minimal fuss. This tasty, cheesy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a nourishing, homemade meal. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite classic in this easy-to-make dish.
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Simple Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring browned ground beef combined with sautéed onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and tender pasta, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously creamy finish. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole serves 6 and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas (if using), cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Use any short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne based on preference or availability.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
